What you do between appointments matters just as much as the treatments you receive in-office. At Concord Family Dental in Algiers, we’re passionate about helping our patients maintain strong, healthy smiles at home through personalized oral hygiene routines.

From young adults using clear aligners to older patients managing restorations like bridges or crowns, your daily habits are the foundation of lasting dental health.

Master the Basics of Brushing

Proper brushing technique is more important than expensive gadgets. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head for better maneuverability
• Replace your brush every three months or after illness
• Brush at least twice a day for two minutes
• Use gentle, circular motions—not aggressive scrubbing
• Brush your tongue to reduce bacteria and freshen breath

Patients with clear aligners in New Orleans should also brush after meals to prevent bacteria buildup beneath the trays.

Make Flossing a Non-Negotiable

Flossing isn’t optional—it’s essential. Even if you brush perfectly, you’re only cleaning about 60% of the surface area of your teeth. Flossing helps:

• Remove plaque between teeth
• Prevent gum inflammation
• Avoid decay under bridges or around crowns

If string floss is difficult, try floss picks or water flossers. These tools are especially helpful for patients with dental crowns or bridges, where food can become trapped.

Upgrade Your Rinse Game

Adding a mouthwash to your routine can help:

• Reduce bacteria
• Strengthen enamel with fluoride
• Freshen breath after meals or coffee

We can recommend a rinse based on your goals—whether it’s preventing decay, addressing sensitivity, or enhancing whitening results.

Rethink Snacking Habits

Snacking throughout the day—especially on carbs or sugary foods—feeds the bacteria that lead to cavities. Instead:

• Opt for snacks like carrots, celery, or cheese
• Drink water between meals
• Avoid sipping soda or juice throughout the day

If you’ve had cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, avoiding staining foods like berries or red wine can also help preserve your results.

Be Proactive with Your Dental Visits

Many patients wait until something feels wrong to schedule an appointment. But by then, a simple issue may have become more complex. Routine checkups allow us to:

• Catch decay early
• Monitor for gum disease
• Refresh whitening treatments
• Evaluate the fit and function of restorations

We also offer flexible appointment scheduling and payment plans to make preventive care easier to prioritize.

Care for Your Cosmetic and Restorative Work

If you’ve invested in a smile makeover, your home routine helps protect that investment:

• Use non-abrasive toothpaste if you’ve had teeth whitening
• Avoid hard foods that could damage crowns or bridges
• Clean beneath dental bridges with a water flosser or floss threader
• Store clear aligners properly and clean them regularly

Our team will walk you through a tailored home care plan after every procedure so you know exactly what to do.

Don’t Ignore These Red Flags

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule an appointment:

• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain when chewing
• Soreness in your jaw or face

These could be signs of gum disease, infection, bite misalignment, or a need for restorative intervention.

A Team That Helps You Succeed

At Concord Family Dental in Algiers, we’re more than providers—we’re partners in your health. Our team works with you to identify opportunities to improve your at-home routine and prevent future issues.

Whether you’re maintaining cosmetic treatments, adjusting to new restorations, or just looking to improve your brushing habits, we’re here to guide you.